Why Your Businesses Should Advertise in the Beachside Directory

Finding customers is the biggest challenge that many small businesses face because they often have an ineffective or nonexistent online presence.

There are a lot of online advertising methods out there. You can use social media, email marketing, and Google ads to name a few. But if you're on a small budget, these ideas might be too expensive.

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to grow your web presence is to advertise on a directory website. These websites publish local business information and list it in an easy-to-search way so that your business can be easily found by locals who need what you're selling.

What Directory Websites Can Do for Your Business

If you've never considered a directory website, you might not be aware of the benefits. Think about your thought process when you need to find a local product or service as a consumer.

First, you probably head to your favorite search engine such as Google, and begin searching for a particular product, service or business. You might even localize your search by including your city or "near me" in the search box. This is where directory websites are extremely helpful.

When you search for local products and services, you'll likely get a local business directory website as one of the top links. This includes both national sites as well as local community websites. There, you can view a business listing which often includes the business hours, location, company information, photos and reviews. From there, the customer can visit the businesses' website to learn more, get directions, call them or reach out directly for more information.

Directory websites are essential for connecting local businesses with local customers making them a vital part of any business's marketing efforts.

Here are some reasons why small businesses should advertise on directory websites.

1. Help Customers Find You

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is not making their information accessible online! It doesn't even necessarily have to mean building a whole website.

Listing your business on a business directory gives customers immediate access to your information in an organized format.

When you're filling out your listing application, be sure to include the following information:
 

• Business address
• Business logo
• Photos
• Contact information
• Map with directions
• Website address
• Social media links
• Hours of operation
• Company description
• List of products or services offered
• Accepted payment options

You wouldn't believe how many business listings are missing essential information!

2. Cost-Effectively Promote Your Business

Did you know that the average small business often spends thousands per month to advertise on Google? If you're just starting, that's going to be a hefty chunk of your budget. At the same time, online advertising is essential to your success.

The solution? Listing your business on a local online directory website! Most directory websites charge anywhere between $29 - $100 per month for a listing. Even if a business owner paid $100 a month for a listing, they can save thousands annually, and get better results too!

Online directories are typically location-specific, so they're a cheap way to advertise, and they're also very effective. If you’re a local business trying to attract local customers, a directory website is an effective and efficient way to go.

Let's say you're an independent accountant based in Dania Beach, Florida. You can promote your business on local directory websites that serve the area. Whenever anyone in Dania Beach searches for "accountant near me," you're likely to pop up!

Studies show that "near me" searches on Google have increased many fold in the past few years! People want to buy local products and services, which is excellent news for small business owners!

3. Boost SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a system of improving web traffic to your site from search engines. SEO is essential because it targets unpaid visits.  That means bringing visitors to your website who haven't clicked on a direct link or ad. When you boost your SEO, you essentially attract customers without paying for advertising. Better SEO means higher rankings on search engines, like Google. The higher you rank, the more likely your website will be seen first. For example, someone searches for "movers near me," and your business is the first link that Google shows.

That's good! That means you've mastered the art of SEO. Surveys show that most people click on one of the first three results in a search. Further, a great majority will click on the first link.

So, how can online business directories help you rank higher?

Let's say you're searching for a jeweler in your area. Your top two results are "PJ Rossi in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL" and "The 10 Best Jewelers in Fort Lauderdale." Which one are you more likely to click?

Probably the second option, right? Clicking on the jeweler's website will give you the basic information and location, but not much else. But clicking on the business directory site will give you access to reviews, maps, a click to call button, links to their main website and social media and more!

Also, because online directory websites tend to share many listings, they get a lot of traffic and visitors will browse through the directory, generating more traffic to your listing. More web traffic means more page visits and even higher search rankings. So even if your business site doesn't get a lot of visits, the directory can help you get more!

4. Build Your Reputation

Creating a solid reputation as a trustworthy company is crucial to surviving in today’s competitive economy. People often rely on word-of-mouth reviews to achieve this. And it works, to a certain extent!

With our world becoming more digital, online reviews are highly valuable. Research shows that many consumers will use the web to search for local businesses, and lots will browse the reviews. If you build up an impressive collection of positive reviews, potential customers will have more reason to trust you.

Online business directories often allow customers to leave reviews directly on your listing profile. So whenever someone does a search and sees your listing, they can also see your reviews. The more reviews, the better it is for your business.

5. Advertise Events

Another great benefit of advertising your small business on a local directory website is to highlight and invite people to events you're hosting. Events encourage foot traffic and motivate new customers to check out your business.

If you're opening a new store, you might want to have a grand opening or ribbon cutting event. The directory website can advertise this for you!

6. Join a Community

When you use a directory website, you're joining a community of like-minded small business owners. They are locals, neighbors, and friends trying to make their dreams come true and share the goal of growing their business. This sense of community can feel uplifting and puts you alongside many of the other small businesses listed in a local website directory.

It can also help you network with potential clients and partners. Imagine you own a photography shop and advertise yourself on an online directory. Local wedding planners, party planners, and others will want to network with you.  It can create long-term partnerships to market more effectively and efficiently. 

Get Listed in the Beachside Directory Today!

Mom and pop shops often struggle with how to promote their small business and gain customers online. In general, online advertising can be expensive and time-consuming.

Online business directory websites on the other hand, are an inexpensive effectivet! Plus, they'll help you rank higher on local searches and build up your reputation. As a small business owner, you need to be listed on directory websites to improve your online presence.  Get listed today!